Large plasma filaments and geomagnetic field fluctuations excited concomitantly by solar powered microwave transmissions

Abstract

We investigate large-scale, filament-type of ionospheric plasma turbulence produced by a ground-based solar-powered microwave transmission system. It is shown that microwaves can interact with the ionosphere, primarily, in the E region. Electron collisions play key roles in the generation of large-scale fluctuations in ionospheric plasma density and geomagnetic fields via a thermal filamentation instability. The threshold wave field intensities are found to be of ∼1 V m−1 for the instability. Possible radar detection of microwave-induced ionospheric plasma effects is discussed and planned for our future Arecibo experiments in Puerto Rico.